In Scripture, faith is described as something that can grow and be strengthened: it comes from hearing the word of Christ; the disciples asked for their faith to be increased, the father of a sick child asked for help with his unbelief, and trials produce perseverance. These passages point to the word of Christ, prayer, trials, looking to Jesus, and fellowship among believers.
What Does the Bible Say About This
- Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Rom 10:17).
- The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith (Luke 17:5–6); the father of a sick child asked for help with his unbelief (Mark 9:23–24): we can ask God for faith.
- We must run with our eyes fixed on Jesus—the author and finisher of faith—and throw off every burden and the sin that so easily entangles us (Heb 12:1–2).
- The testing of faith produces perseverance (James 1:2–4).
- Believers are called to build themselves up in their most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping themselves in the love of God (Jude 20–21); and not giving up meeting together (Heb 10:24–25).
- Application: reading and listening to Scripture, prayer, ministry, and fellowship with believers are practical ways consistent with these passages. Scripture does not provide a single “method” for strengthening faith.
This brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the “Father’s Blessing” Bible.
Key Scriptures
7 Scriptures · Father’s Blessing Bible
Romans 10:17
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes through the spoken word of Christ.
Hebrews 12:1–2
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Mark 9:23–24
23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the child’s father cried out with tears, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Luke 17:5–6
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 The Lord said, “If you have faith like a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
James 1:2–4
2 Consider it great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance; 4 and let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
Jude 1:20–21
20 But you, dear friends, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.
Hebrews 10:24–25
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Related Questions
- What should I do if I doubt God?
- How should I pray properly?
- How can I draw closer to God?
- What is faith?
- What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?
